Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches stand out for their tactile feedback, characterized by a refined medium-strength bump that provides satisfying tactile sensitivity, making it popular among those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches appeal to users seeking a seamless, linear action that is quieter and smoother, ideal for a distraction-free environment. Each switch offers unique advantages: the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile alertness while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is perfect for those who prefer stealthy performance without compromising smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it's evident that they utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing audio characteristics. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is rounded and muted. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate not only contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency allows the lights to shine through more vividly.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon. This similarity leads to a consistent auditory characteristic where both switches deliver a deeper and rounder sound profile from their bottom housing. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, typists will experience a unified tactile response when bottoming out, regardless of the differing top housing materials. The nylon in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound, which complements the differences seen in the top houses, ensuring that users enjoy a satisfying typing experience despite the disparity in sound profiles created by the top materials.
In terms of overall acoustic performance, the juxtaposition of nylon and polycarbonate hones the unique qualities of each switch. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more subdued sound thanks to its nylon top housing, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean provides clarity and resonance with its polycarbonate top housing. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing balances these differences, resulting in a hybrid auditory experience. Ultimately, while users can expect divergent experiences when pressing and releasing keys due to the different upper materials, the nylon bottom housings forge a coherent typing experience across both switches, making them appealing options nonetheless.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they require an equal amount of effort to register a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience comparable tactile feedback when typing, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly, as the Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom out force is unknown, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This difference implies that if the Cherry MX switch were to have a bottom out force, it might be lighter, leading to a potentially softer feel at the bottom of the keystroke. Thus, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu switch, while others favoring lighter feedback might opt for the Cherry MX, depending on its undisclosed bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch differ notably in their travel distances. The MX Purple RGB boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper presses, providing a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a pronounced key feel. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. This preference for shorter distances is becoming increasingly common, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the better choice, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB will appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile experience with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches is characterized by a distinctive tactile bump accompanied by a moderate level of noise. While it may not be as loud as some clicky switches, the audible feedback is pleasant and satisfying, appealing to typists who appreciate a tangible click without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed to prioritize quiet operation, producing minimal noise during usage. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where sound dampening is crucial, such as shared workspaces or quiet home offices. However, the perception of sound is also influenced by the keyboard's construction, including materials and design, as well as the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a well-balanced tactile experience. Users can expect a notable yet refined bump that allows for quick feedback on key presses, which can enhance typing accuracy. This switch strikes a balance between firmness and comfort, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches provide a smooth, linear feel without any tactile bump. This means users will enjoy an uninterrupted key press experience, allowing for swift, fluid typing without the distraction of tactile feedback. The linear action appeals to gamers or typists looking for a smooth keystroke without the resistance that can sometimes be perceived as a hindrance.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches offer a tactility that appeals to those who like feedback, paired with a moderate sound profile that accommodates both typing and gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch focuses on silent operation with a linear feel, ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment and uninterrupted key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences, they showcase the diversity and personalization available in the mechanical keyboard switch market, allowing users to select the switch that best fits their specific typing style and acoustic environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you’re someone who enjoys a tactile feedback with a marked bump while typing or gaming, and you appreciate the RGB lighting that adds visual flair to your setup, the MX Purple RGB would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is particularly suitable for enthusiasts looking for that satisfying tactile response without the heavier force requirement. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and a smoother keypress feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch would be ideal, especially if you're in a shared space or simply wish to minimize noise. Its medium-heavy actuation force can offer more resistance, which some users find helps with typing accuracy. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and RGB aesthetics or a quieter, linear typing experience with a solid feel.
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